Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: AFPThe Russian government has announced that it is keeping a close eye on developments in Nigeria following remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting the possibility of American military intervention in the country.
Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow on Friday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said her government is “closely monitoring this issue” and called on all parties to adhere strictly to international law. Zakharova made the statement in response to a question from the Anadolu News Agency concerning Trump’s recent comments about potential U.S. action in Nigeria.
During a press event on November 1, Trump revealed that he had directed the Pentagon to prepare “options for possible military measures” targeting terrorist groups operating in Nigeria. According to him, the move would aim to protect Christian communities allegedly under threat from extremist organizations.
The former U.S. president also took to his Truth Social platform last Friday, describing the situation in Nigeria as an “existential threat” to Christianity. He claimed that “thousands of Christians are being killed” by radical Islamist groups and announced his decision to designate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern.”
Trump asserted that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening,” adding that his administration would be “ready, willing, and able” to defend Christian populations around the world. He also urged members of Congress to conduct a thorough investigation into the situation, specifically instructing Congressman Barry Moore, Chairman Tom Cole, and the House Appropriations Committee to provide him with a detailed report.
Reacting to Trump’s remarks, the Nigerian government firmly dismissed his claims. President Bola Tinubu reiterated that Nigeria remains a nation committed to upholding religious freedom and the protection of all faiths. The president emphasized that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees the rights of every citizen to worship freely, noting that the government continues to take steps to ensure peace and unity among the country’s diverse religious communities.
Meanwhile, Moscow’s statement highlights growing international attention to the issue, with Russia cautioning against any unilateral military move by Washington. Zakharova stressed that all nations must act responsibly and within the framework of international law to prevent further escalation.
“We are closely monitoring this issue and call on all parties involved to strictly comply with international legal norms,” she reiterated, signaling Russia’s position that dialogue and respect for sovereignty should guide responses to such sensitive matters.
The developments come amid renewed debates in global diplomatic circles about Western intervention in Africa and the geopolitical implications of renewed U.S. involvement on the continent. Both the Nigerian and Russian governments appear to be advocating restraint, urging the United States to pursue diplomatic and cooperative measures rather than unilateral military options.
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